WHO WE ARE
We envisage the arts therapies as vibrant, growing, evidence-based and relevant professions in a South African context.
OUR MISSION
To strengthen and develop the arts therapies through the facilitation of collaborative advocacy, lobbying, research and training; the provision of support, information, professional development and networking opportunities for members. The development of mutually beneficial relationships with international and local bodies.
OUR OBJECTIVES
To contribute towards the creation of an enabling regulatory and operational environment for arts therapies.
To build and develop a responsive learning Association that provides quality services to its members.
To remain informed about professional requirements of practice and other legal and statutory regulations.
To maintain a high standard of excellent and ethical practice of and training in the arts therapies in South Africa.
To constantly strive towards making the arts therapies relevant in the political, economic and social context of South Africa and Africa.
To strengthen the professional voice of the arts therapies at the HPCSA and with other professional bodies in South Africa.
To build a strong, inclusive, connected and collaborative community of arts therapists across the country
To explore avenues of growth and development for the arts therapies that result in greater job opportunities for its members.
Drive a collaborative research agenda to increase quality publications on arts therapies experiences in South Africa.
To build and maintain strong international relationships to keep the voice of South Africa arts therapies alive in the global space.
To contribute towards the creation of an enabling regulatory and operational environment for arts therapies.
To build and develop a responsive learning Association that provides quality services to its members.
To remain informed about professional requirements of practice and other legal and statutory regulations.
To maintain a high standard of excellent and ethical practice of and training in the arts therapies in South Africa.
To constantly strive towards making the arts therapies relevant in the political, economic and social context of South Africa and Africa.
To strengthen the professional voice of the arts therapies at the HPCSA and with other professional bodies in South Africa.
To build a strong, inclusive, connected and collaborative community of arts therapists across the country
To explore avenues of growth and development for the arts therapies that result in greater job opportunities for its members.
Drive a collaborative research agenda to increase quality publications on arts therapies experiences in South Africa.
To build and maintain strong international relationships to keep the voice of South Africa arts therapies alive in the global space.
OUR HISTORY ROOTS
SANATO
Establishment of SANATO: The first attempt to organize arts therapists leads to the formation of the South African Network for Arts Therapies Organization (SANATO).
Initial Hurdles: The network faces significant structural challenges and eventually dissolves, highlighting the need for a more robust framework.
2009 TAPPING THE FIELD
May 2009: A multidisciplinary trio (Art, Drama, and Music therapists) initiates a rebuild of the community.
“Tapping the Field” Symposium: Hosted at the University of Pretoria, this event marks 10 years of Music Therapy training in SA and sparks renewed national interest in a collective community.
2010 BUILDING BRIDGES
WITS Conference: The “Building Bridges: The Arts Therapies in Africa” conference is held at Drama for Life.
Collective Voice: Arts therapists are re-inspired to collaborate, emphasizing the importance of a unified professional identity.
2012 THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Representative Action: A national committee is formed with representatives from all four arts therapy modalities.
Technical Progress: The group begins addressing critical professional issues, including scope of practice, public sector posts, and ethical codes.
2017 NATIONAL CONSULTATION
Representative Action: A national committee is formed with representatives from all four arts therapy modalities.
Technical Progress: The group begins addressing critical professional issues, including scope of practice, public sector posts, and ethical codes.
2019 SANATA
May 2019: After two years of intensive consultation, the new association is officially launched in Johannesburg.
A New Identity: The organization is renamed The South African National Arts Therapies Association (SANATA), serving as the definitive professional body for the field.
OUR EXCO
Sunelle Foucé
Victoria Angel
Jermain Johnson
Kamal Naran
Caley Garden
Calsey Schroeder
Christine Joubert-Watts
Nsamu Moonga
Nonkululeko Vilakazi
Gillian Brollo
Sherri Symons
Lulu Ntuli
Paula Kingwill
